Chapter Nine
DEE
Two Weeks Later
I’m still stuck in bed, on Colt’s orders, and apparently, I’m not allowed to lift a finger while he ‘sorts everything out’ with the band and their agent, Rob Luxley.
He swears it’s temporary, just until I’m stronger.
I’ve told him—no, I begged him—not to cancel any more interviews or appearances for the reunion tour, but he’s not listening.
Typical Colt.
He goes full alpha mode anytime I so much as wince, like he’s the only one who can keep me safe. And while part of me loves how fiercely protective he is, another part of me hates it. Hates that I’m the reason he’s missing out.
He is their frontman.
The voice.
The one fans scream for.
And right now, they’re all wondering why he’s MIA, and they’re probably blaming me.
They don’t know the truth. No one does. As far as the public knows, I’ve only got a broken leg. But it’s not just that. It’s the surgery. The scar. The ‘vacancy.’ And if they knew what really happened, maybe they’d understand why Colt hasn’t left my side.
Or maybe they’d see me as the woman who can’t give him a family.
Either way, I lose.
A hot flush tears through me, my skin suddenly boiling from the inside out. Gritting my teeth, I shove the blankets off, reach for the fan, and crank it up. The cool air offers slight relief, but it’s not enough.
Great, I think, my first official hot flash. Just what I need.
Footsteps thump on the stairs.
Colt storms in, eyes narrowing as he takes in my sweaty, half-naked mess of a body.
“What the fuck, Dee?” he barks, glaring like I’ve just tried to run a marathon.
“What?” I snap. “I’m hot.”
He doesn’t answer, just strides over and yanks the blankets back up to my chin like I’m a toddler. “Baby, you’re in recovery. You need to keep warm and wrapped up.”
I huff as he turns off the fan. “Colt, I had major surgery, not the flu. I’m not going to melt because I’m not wrapped in cotton wool.” I kick the blanket off again, letting the cool air touch my skin.
He crosses his arms, exhaling like he’s barely holding onto his patience. “I don’t care. You’re still healing. I’m not taking chances… not now, not after everything.”
“Colt, come on. It’s a hot day, and I feel like I’m boiling from the inside out. I’m more comfortable with the covers off. Isn’t that what matters?”
His expression falters—just a little. The fire in his eyes dims, and I see it—the fear behind the control.
“Of course, I want you comfortable,” he mutters.
“But I promised your dad I’d take care of you, and if keeping you warm and bundled up helps avoid anything, even a stupid cold, I’m doing it.
” He steps closer, lowering his voice. “You’re my top priority, Dee.
I already let something happen to you once. That’s not happening again.”
Instantly, guilt washes over me.
Colt still blames himself for the accident. Because he let go of my hand, for half a damn second, and that van hit me. I see it in the way his jaw tenses, the flicker of pain in his eyes. He’s reliving it, even now.
So I give in. “Maybe I am a little cold,” I lie softly.
His face brightens with a smile as he gently pulls the quilt back over me. “Good girl,” he murmurs, sitting on the edge of the bed.
I don’t tell him the truth, that I’m basically melting, that sweat is gathering behind my knees and under my arms, and my brain feels like it’s being microwaved. I don’t say a word because I know if he thinks I’m having hot flashes, he’ll only double down on the overprotection.
And honestly? I’d do anything for him.
“I made a call,” he says, his voice lighter. “Joseph and Danny are coming over this afternoon, if you’re up for it?”
Tears prick instantly. I haven’t seen my favorite couple since before New Jersey. Their names alone bring genuine warmth to my chest, not the hormone-induced nightmare kind.
Colt’s brow creases in confusion as I start to cry. “If you don’t want them to come, I’ll call them off,” he says, instantly trying to soothe me, brushing hair from my face.
I shake my head, tears falling freely now. “No. I can’t wait to see them. These are happy tears, babe.”
He looks puzzled. “Then why are you crying?”
“I don’t even know. My hormones are having a rave, I think.”
“Right…” he says with a half-smile. “Do you need anything? I’ve cleared the next four weeks to spend with you. No press. No travel. Just you and me. Maybe we could even start planning the wedding?” His smile is so bright, so genuine, and my heart swells—and sinks.
I want that too.
But the guilt creeps in again.
“That sounds amazing,” I say softly. “But maybe you could do a couple of interviews? To keep the fans happy?”
His smile falters, and he shakes his head. “No. I want to be here… with you. I nearly lost you, Dee…” His voice breaks, and he inhales sharply.
I reach for him, fingers brushing his forearm, trying to anchor him. Colt exhales, resting his hand over mine and bringing it to his lips for a soft kiss.
“Okay,” I whisper. “But if you change your mind, if you need space, I’ll understand.”
“No, Dee. I’m not leaving your side. End of discussion.
” He stands abruptly and walks into the ensuite.
I blink at the sudden shift. A few seconds later, he returns with a glass of water and places it on my nightstand.
“Here,” he says. “Drink this, and I’ll get you some painkillers.
You’re burning up. I knew that damn fan would make you sick.
” He half-smiles like he’s made a joke, but it doesn’t land.
I lay here stunned, unsure what just happened.
Maybe he’s struggling too.
Maybe all of this is getting to both of us in different ways.
The second he’s out of the room, I throw off the covers and start frantically fanning myself. Sweet relief rushes over my skin, but it’s fleeting. What I really need is an ice bath or a cold shower.
Footsteps on the stairs snap me out of my moment. I pull the covers back over me just as Colt walks in, holding a mug and a few pills.
“Here you go, baby. Take these, and I made you a hot cup of tea. That should help with the fever.”
A hot drink?
I want to cry.
Or laugh.
Or both.
Still, I sit up and take the tablets with the water, doing my best to hide my grimace at the sight of the tea.
Colt rubs my thigh, gentle, comforting. “I’m sorry if I snapped earlier. I want to protect you. Keep you safe. And I’ve already screwed that up more than once. I’m just trying to get it right this time.”
He means the breakup. The accident. All of it.
“I know, babe,” I say, placing a hand over his. “And you are getting it right. I promise.”
He smiles until his eyes narrow again. “Geez, Dee, you’re really sweating. You must be getting sick. I’ll go turn on the heating.”
“No, Colt,” I panic. “That’s not—”
He’s already on his damn feet. “I told you, I’m looking after you. If you’re coming down with something, you need to stay warm.”
“Colt, seriously, I’m fi—”
“No arguments, Dee.”
And just like that, he’s gone again.
I groan and flop back on the pillows. I love this man. But if he turns on that heater, I might actually combust.
Sure enough, a few moments later, I hear the click and hum of the ducted heating starting up. I swear the room gets hotter just from the thought.
I peel back the quilt again and roll my eyes.
The flush is finally subsiding, but with the heating on, that won’t last long.
I should probably tell Colt what’s really going on, but he’s already so wound up trying to be everything I need, I don’t want to pile on more.
I stare at the ceiling, my thoughts drifting to everything that’s changed since Colt crashed into my life.
He saved me.
Transformed me.
Loved me into someone stronger.
And yet, I still can’t shake the feeling that I’m holding him back.
Three embryos.
Three chances at a future.
That’s all we have.
But it’s enough to give me hope.
Maybe, just maybe, we can find someone to carry our child. Someone who can help us create the family we never thought we’d get.
Suddenly, the doorbell rings, breaking my inner thought ramblings.
I sit up, my heart racing with anticipation.
A smile pulls at my lips as the sound of laughter floats up the stairs.
Then—zoom—Princess Sofia bounds into the room and launches onto the bed like a little tornado.
She yips, hops, and licks at my face, and instantly, everything feels lighter.
I giggle through happy tears, hugging her tight.
Finally, something good. Something warm that’s not the hormonal kind.
“Oh, baby girl, Mummy missed you. Gimme some love,” I say as I ruffle her ears and then cuddle into her. I want to cry, but I try to keep my persistent tears from falling.
The sound of footsteps on the stairs alerts me to the incoming visitors, and I glance up to see the three main men in my life—Colt, Joseph, and Danny—walk into the room. My heart lifts with happiness.
“I see Princess found you okay.” Joseph grins as he rushes over, settling beside me on the bed. He pulls me into a warm hug, and the second his arms wrap around me, the tears start.
Danny chuckles as Joseph rocks me gently.
“God, I missed you guys. And my girl,” I whisper as Princess leaps back up, licking Joseph’s face like she’s missed him too, even though she arrived with him.
“We missed you so much,” Joseph says, letting me go and wiping at my cheeks. “I’m sorry we couldn’t get to the hospital in Jersey. We wanted to.”
“I get it. The restaurants must be insane. And honestly, I was a hot mess back then. Would’ve shattered that perfect image you two have of me.”
Danny smirks. “Oh yes. That untouchable princess image. Wouldn’t want to ruin that.”
They both laugh, and for a moment, the weight on my chest lifts.
“So… how are you, really?” Joseph asks as Danny slides onto the other side of the bed.
I glance at Colt, who offers a small smile. “I’m okay. My cast comes off in one week, thank God. Then just a couple of check-ups, and I should be good as new.”